WBIW.com News - sports

Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana

Caldwell Clears Path For Colts Coaching Position

Last updated on Friday, January 18, 2008

(INDIANAPOLIS, IN) - Indianapolis Colts Assistant Coach Jim Caldwell has removed his name from consideration for head coaching vacancies in Atlanta and Baltimore, clearing the way for him to succeed Tony Dungy as head coach of the Colts.

The question is whether Caldwell will take over the Colts in 2008 or 2009. Team owner Jim Irsay said Thursday night that he hopes Dungy will return for one final season and expects to talk to Dungy this weekend.

Irsay said that if Dungy decides to retire, Caldwell will be the new head coach. Caldwell, who turned 52 on Wednesday, has served as an assistant to Dungy for the past seven seasons - one with Tampa Bay and the last six with Indianapolis. He filled in for Dungy as head coach for one game during the 2005 season following the death of Dungy's son James.

Caldwell spent eight seasons as the head coach at Wake Forest, leading the Demon Deacons to a bowl game in 1999.

Dungy said earlier this week that he expects to decide on his future this weekend and will announce his future plans on Monday. Dungy has one year remaining on his contract.

1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com